Major Babui makes history

It was a proud day for Australian Army Cadet (AAC) Major Francisco Babui when he was promoted by Chief of Army Lieutenant General David Morrison to become the first indigenous major in the AAC’s Northern Territory Battalion.

Supported by his wife Noella and local cadets, Major (AAC) Babui was promoted on the lawns of the Northern Territory Parliament House on 1 March 2014.

Tiwi Island resident Major Babui said working with the 20 cadets of 76 ACU was another opportunity for him to teach kids to do the right thing.

“I try to give our indigenous youth important advice on their education and how to avoid getting mixed up with bad company,” Major Babui said.

“The 76 ACU cadets’ ages range from 13 to 15 and the life skills they learn with us assist them when they decide to join Norforce at the age of 17, which most of them do.”

Major Babui was appointed as an Officer of Cadets in the AAC in 2002 after serving 17 years in the Army with the North-West Mobile Force as part of Tiwi Patrol of Darwin Squadron and 13 years as an Aboriginal Community Police Officer at Nguiu Police Station.

After completing his Officer of Cadets Basic Course Major Babui was promoted to second lieutenant (AAC) and appointed OIC of the Nguiu Remote Cadet Unit. In 2004 he was promoted to lieutenant (AAC). By December 2004 he had completed several AAC command, logistics and management courses and was promoted to captain (AAC) and appointed OC 76 ACU Tiwi Islands.

As a civilian, Major Babui also provided support to the Xavier Community Education College as a youth worker until he retired in 2013.